Dr. Joan Hamblin's specialty is family medicine. Her areas of expertise include obesity, immunization (preventive vaccines), and common cold. Dr. Hamblin's professional affiliations include Sacred Heart Hospital, the University of Wisconsin Health (UW Health), and Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire. She takes Humana HMO, Humana Bronze, and Humana Catastrophic, in addition to other insurance carriers. Her education and training includes medical school at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine and residency at a hospital affiliated with Medical University of South Carolina. She has received the distinction of UW Health Patient Experience Physician Champion Award.

Dr. William Cayley is an Eau Claire, WI physician who specializes in family medicine. Dr. Cayley's areas of expertise include the following: obesity, immunization (preventive vaccines), and common cold. He takes Humana HMO, Humana Bronze, and Humana Catastrophic, in addition to other insurance carriers. He graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. He is affiliated with Sacred Heart Hospital, the University of Wisconsin Health (UW Health), and Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire.

Dr. Deborah Raehl practices family medicine. Dr. Raehl's clinical interests include obesity, immunization (preventive vaccines), and common cold. She is in-network for Humana HMO, Humana Bronze, and Humana Catastrophic, in addition to other insurance carriers. She is a graduate of Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Raehl's professional affiliations include Sacred Heart Hospital, the University of Wisconsin Health (UW Health), and Mayo Clinic Health System - Eau Claire.

Currently in medical care in the United States, there are four main primary care specialties: family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Internal medicine is primary care for adults, pediatrics is primary care for children and infants, and geriatrics is primary care for seniors. Family medicine, the broadest specialty, is primary care for all ages.

A family medicine physician is a medical ‘home base’ for patients. They treat all ages, all sexes, all organs, and all diseases. They can see every member of the family, from birth through old age. This allows family medicine doctors to develop long-term relationships with their patients and to understand how their patients’ role in the family affects their health. They can provide check-ups, immunizations, screening services, gynecological exams and obstetric care, routine health care, and health counseling. When more specialized care is needed, a family medicine doctor can refer their patients to appropriate specialists. They can become educators and advocates for their patients in the sometimes overwhelming health care system.

As health care changes in this country, family medicine is a growing specialty for families and individuals who are seeking more personalized health care and a more personal relationship with their physician.

General obstetrician/gynecologists, or general OB/GYNs, are providers of routine care for women’s reproductive health. They offer regular checkups and preventative care to detect illnesses early and keep women healthy. A general OB/GYN cares for a variety of health issues, including:

Healthy pregnancies

Contraception

Endometriosis

Uterine fibroids

Sexually transmitted diseases

Menopause

PAP smears

Annual breast exams

After the age of 18, it is important to see a general OB/GYN regularly for preventative care as well as any needed pregnancy care. When necessary, general OB/GYNs may refer their patients to related specialists such as a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist or Reproductive Endocrinologist. However, women without complicated health issues may continue to see their general OB/GYN for care throughout their reproductive life.